More pain if it's cold and wet: does the weather affect rheumatism?

Rheuma, a collective name for several chronic diseases that can affect muscles, joints and organs, can have a huge impact on the lives of those suffering from it. Although the exact cause of rheumatism is unknown, environmental factors such as smoking and overweight are likely to play a role along with hereditary factors for people who have rheumatism in the family.

A common complaint among rheumatic patients is that they experience more pain and have stiffer joints in cold and humid weather, or in weather changes such as an imminent thunderstorm. Some weather websites even offer special weather reports for rheumatic people. Although there is no convincing scientific evidence for a direct link between weather and rheumatic complaints, many patients still experience a connection.

Influence of weather on rheumatic symptoms:

• Cold weather: Several studies show that rheumatic symptoms worsen in cold weather or sudden temperature decreases. This may be due to decreased blood flow at low temperatures or to shrinking tissue in the joints, resulting in additional pressure. Less movement in cold conditions can also contribute to aggravated complaints.
• Heat: Many rheumatic patients experience fewer symptoms in hot weather or climates, which may be due to improved blood flow from heat, reducing pain and stiffness. Relaxation and less domestic work in warm climates can also contribute to reduced complaints.
• Moist weather: Some rheumatic patients experience mainly in humid weather, possibly due to differences in stretching and contraction of bones and muscles at fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
• Air pressure: Variations in air pressure may affect the symptoms in some patients, where a decrease in air pressures may lead to increased pain in inflamed tissue.
• UV light: Ultraviolet light or sunlight may have a negative effect on patients with lupus, which may cause disease to develop. Protection from sunlight is therefore important for these patients.

Although there are no clear conclusions about the influence of weather on rheumatic symptoms, many patients do experience a link between certain weather conditions and their symptoms. However, it remains a personal experience and treatment, such as moving to a warm climate, does not guarantee cure or improvement of the symptoms.